Hey guys! I guess most of you will agree with me when I say that it's really interesting to know what other ladies keep in their makeup bags. I think these types of hauls are very honest and truly reliable.  Besides, no one would even bother keeping a product in their stash if it doesn't do wonders right? Come to think of it, I've had this blog running for almost four years now but I can't seem to remember ever doing a what's-in-my-makeup-bag post. Well, it's never too late to do one so read on and find out what I love bringing with me all day, everyday. 

Updated Kikay Kit Essentials

First of all I would like to greet everyone a happy and prosperous new year. I love that we get to have another chance to make things right or at least better. Though you can always start to improve yourself any day of the year it still feels different to do it on a momentous day when everyone else is sharing the same passion in the spirit of the holidays.

On to the real topic of this post, I figured that my kikay kit (vanity kit) needs to be updated for the new year. I'm making just a few changes so I can use other stuff I love.

I'm using this pouch from The Body Shop's tea tree travel set I bought a couple of years ago. It really pays to keep free pouches from gift sets. Anyway, you have to congratulate me on this because my vanity essentials are now down to 9 items.

(1) Kleenex oil control film is a must-have especially for those who tend to have oily skin in the middle of the day.

(2) The Body Shop all-in-one face base is my current favorite finishing powder since I started using it a couple of months ago. Just a few dabs help even out your complexion and reduce shine.

(3) The Body Shop mini hairbrush is a gift I got years ago but I never got to use it until lately. I love that the bristles are blunt  at the tips and don't hurt your scalp when used. The size is just right to fit in any pouch without taking too much space.

(4) Sanrio nail cutter or any nail cutter for that matter can come in handy anytime you need some nail clipping and don't have the time to have your nails done in a salon. I prefer this because it's designed to trap pieces of your clipped nail so you can use it anywhere without making a mess.

(5) Smashbox O-glow is my not so favorite cheek tint but after watching Miss Michelle Phan's way of applying cheek stains by patting quickly around the apples of her cheeks, I gave this another try and I'm glad to say that I'm loving the results.

(6) Tony Moly Cat's Wink Mascara is one of the slimmest  full size mascara I've seen. Though it's not my most favorite, it's still a good mascara that adds volume and a little bit of length to your lashes.

(7) Clinique Chubby Stick in super strawberry has been an indispensable item. I love the variety of colors available and how it instantly moisturizes you lips. The tapered tip that resembles a jumbo crayon enables it to reach the slim corners of your lips but the downside is it gets blunt after a while.

(8) Benefit Posie Tint gives your lips a natural flushed look and is best coupled with a lip balm or gloss for a more moisturized finish. 

(9) The Body Shop retractable brush is actually a blush brush that can double as a face brush. I love that it's retractable so the bristles are protected from being deformed. The bristles are so soft and densely packed that it glides smoothly on your face.

So that's it, I can't believe I'm surviving with just a few items in my kikay kit. Let's see if  I can trim it down again next year with just the most essential stuff. How about you, what do you carry around in your vanity kit?

My Kikay Kit Essentials

I am the type of girl who doesn't mind carrying almost everything in my bag. I hate it when I can't find something I need and realize I left it at home. This holds true to my clinic accessories, reading and writing materials, gadgets and most importantly my touch up bag or kikay kit as most of us fondly call it. 

It's been my routine to bring all the stuff I use on my face in the morning. These things include  toner, moisturizer, powder, makeup palette, makeup brushes, lip balm, lipstick, oil blotter, mirror, tweezers, nail cutter, cotton and q-tips. Needless to say, that's quite more than a few pieces and though most of them are in travel sizes, they still take up much space in my bag. I never realized I could cut down on them until one day when I accidentally left my kit and all I had in my bag was a lip tint and a comb. My first reaction was how on earth will I go through the day without my touch up kit? But surprisingly, I did survive with just 2 among the array of things I bring everyday.

Though I still find myself stuffing my kit with things I could leave home without, I am happy to say that in the past days I am able to survive carrying only a small pouch containing just the essentials. So without editing out a single thing, I snatched my kikay kit from the bag I used yesterday to show you my never-leave-home-without beauty essentials.

This is a nice pouch I got as a freebie from Clinique Trinoma when I bought their eye serum and loose powder. It actually came with other free Clinique trial products like the turnaround concentrate and instant facial masque, superdefense moisturizer with SPF 25/PA+++ and high impact lipstick with SPF 15 in RSVPink.

Anyway, the size of this pouch is already an achievement for me because my previous kit is twice larger than this. This kikay kit holds all of the following essentials to get me through the day.

(1) Clinique derma white brightening loose powder in translucent glow (20 g) is the powder I prefer bringing because it's perfect for touch-ups. It comes with its own application brush and it does miracles by restoring your skin's radiant glow.

(2) Physicians Formula happy booster glow and mood boosting blush in rose (7 g) is the blush I use for touch ups during humid days because it livens up your complexion while keeping it oil free.

(3) Smashbox O-Glow intuitive cheek color (15ml) is my other go-to blusher especially during the cold season when my skin tends to look dry. This happens because low temperatures deplete the skin its natural lipid layer which keeps it from drying out. The gel based formula not only gives you a natural blush but it also helps moisturize your skin. Click here to see my previous review on this.

(4) The Body Shop brush on bronze (23 g) is my all time favorite bronzer. These are small meteorites intended for the entire face but I've been using this as an eye shadow and I love the way the color matches my dark eyelids. I never thought I'd find the right shade that best suits me until I got to try this.

(5) The Body Shop tweezers perform really well when it comes to grabbing even the shortest hair. The chiseled edges are also perfect for removing fine hair without any breakage. It comes in a small pouch so you won't have to worry about scratching the containers of other beauty products in your kikay kit.

(6) She Uemura eyelash curler is the only tool I love using for my short and sparse eyelashes. Click here for my separate review on this must have item. 

(7) Tony Moly magic blossom mascara is another favorite that I discovered just recently. It gives your lashes just the right length and volume without smudging and flaking over time. Click here for a full review.

(8) Vaseline lip therapy in cherry (10 g) is one of my recent favorites when it comes to preventing and treating dry, chapped lips. It's in a small squeeze type tube, has a soft texture that spreads smoothly on your lips and gives off a subtle cherry taste. 

(9) Tony Moly berryberry magic lip tint has totally raised the bar on quality lip products in the market. This affordable yet high performing brand has proven that not all products that work come with a hefty price. You may click here for a detailed review.

(10) Kleenex oil control film has replaced my old brand in the past years. This surprisingly affordable oil blotter leaves your face oil free and fresh after each use.

(11) Hello Kitty lip brush has proven to be an effective tool for me since I started using it with my Vaseline lip therapy. The soft bristles work well by spreading lip products evenly and easily. This came with other make up brushes in a cute set which I got as a gift. Please click here to read my review on this as part of the set.

(12) Goody compact mirror is truly a must have for every kit. As the name implies, this is a small compact containing a regular mirror and a magnifying mirror essential to all kikay kits.

There you have it, a list of the things I consider essentials in my kikay kit (plus a mini review on each). Though I still have more than a few things cramped in my bag, believe me, this is far better then what I used to stuff my kit with. How about you? What are your kikay kit essentials? 

NOTES:

• Products in this entry: 
• Clinique derma white brightening loose powder in translucent glow (20 g) from Clinique kiosk in Trinoma, Php2,100 ($49)
• Physicians Formula happy booster glow and mood boosting blush in rose (7 g) from Ulta, buy 1 take 1 promo, Php 515.57 ($11.99)
• Smashbox O-Glow intuitive cheek color (15ml) from Beauty Bar Trinoma, Php 1,350 ($31.39)
• The Body Shop brush on bronze (23 g) from The Body Shop in SM North Edsa, Php 900 ($21)
• The Body Shop tweezers from The Body Shop in SM North Edsa, Php 555 ($12.90)
• Shu Uemura eyelash curler from Shu Uemura kiosk in Trinoma, Php 1,090 ($25)
• Tony Moly magic blossom mascara from Tony Moly in SM North Edsa, Php 370 ($8.60)
• Vaseline lip therapy in cherry (10 g) from Landmark in Trinoma, Php 75 ($1.74)
• Tony Moly berryberry magic lip tint from Tony Moly in SM North Edsa, Php 198 ($4.60)
• Kleenex oil control film from Landmark in Trinoma, Php 99 ($2.30)
• Hello Kitty lip brush as part of a set from Sephora, Php1,075 ($25)
• Goody compact mirror from SM North Edsa, Php 99 ($2.30)
• Price of each product may have changed over time.
• All products mentioned in this entry are personal preferences and are in no way intended to be used for any type of advertisement.

CURRENT FAVORITES

         2011 is done and I have to review my skin care and make up products since I've accumulated more than I can actually use. This sort of thing usually happens every year because I love trying new things and unfortunately forget other products when new lines or better versions come along. So I decided to look up every stashed product I own and I'm quite surprised at how many of them I still have but forgot since they have been pushed to the farther end of my storage space to give way to my current favorites. I have yet to decide on which ones I will try using again. I have to really go through them so no product gets wasted.Well anyway, I'll be writing a separate blog about them but right now I feel like sharing the products I've been using a lot lately and are actually my current favorites.

FACIAL WASH: Neutrogena Deep Clean Facial Cleanser 

(Landmark)

          I can't believe it took me years to finally give this product a try. I've heard a lot of good things about it but I shied away from trying it since I had a good cleanser working for me. I finally gave in this year and I am very pleased at how this product seem to prevent my skin from breaking out. I've been using this for a while now hence the nearly empty bottle. Of course I started using this with the Clarisonic Mia but even so, I still think that it works well on my skin.

TONER FOR ACNE PRONE SKIN: YSA Post Acne Lotion

(YSA Skin Care Clinic)

          I cannot even begin to explain how I truly LOVE this product. I had a bad case of acne in my freshman year in college and this amazing product has saved me then and still does until now. The term lotion might be a little confusing but this is actually in a clear liquid form like a toner or an astringent. It doesn't have a certain scent and it feels quite refreshing on your face. I've also used this for several times to prevent and treat pimples. Just soak a small piece of cotton with this then leave them on the pimple overnight and you will be surprised the next day with a smaller and less inflamed pimple. It works so well that some of them are totally gone in the morning.

MOISTURIZING SERUM: OLAY Total Effects 7-in-1 Anti-ageing Serum
(Landmark)

          This serum has revolutionized the modern approach to skin care. I've used this since it was first launched and never missed a day applying it. It feels a little oily on your skin for a few seconds after application but as it gets absorbed it leaves your skin very supple, moisturized and not at all greasy. With continuous use you will see a big difference on your skin's texture. In terms of reducing fine lines, I can't say for sure that this product has that effect on me since I started using this in my mid 20's and I wasn't at all that conscious in monitoring the fine lines on my face. Though I can say that now in my 30's, I can appreciate fine lines especially around my eyes but they don't bother me at all which I guess is a good sign.

SUNBLOCK: OLAY Total Effects Day Cream, Normal with SPF 15

(Landmark)

          Again Olay bags this category. The non greasy feel with just the right amount of moisture that this product offers is simply amazing. It gives your skin an instant glow with a dewy finish. Other benefits range from UV protection, anti-ageing and skin whitening.

CONCEALER: THE BODY SHOP Tea Tree Concealer
(The Body Shop, Trinoma)

          I wasn't a fan of concealers way back because I didn't know how to really work them on my face and I can't seem to make them blend with my skin. I felt like there were blotches of the product on my face. So instead of concealing the imperfections I was making them more noticeable which was a bad thing. Though I've seen others who swear by concealers, I for one haven't really found the right one for me until I got this product. This has the most manageable texture I have ever tried and the color really matches my skin. Another good thing about it is that it has tea tree which is good for pimples so it works both as a concealer and pimple treatment. It visibly reduces redness and imperfections. Although I still have trouble blending it on my under eye area, I still favor this one over the others.

EYE SHADOW: THE BODY SHOP Shimmer Waves
(The Body Shop, Trinoma)

          This product has been my ultimate favorite since it was introduced. The colors are very wearable and the texture is so unique that you only need a few strokes to really get them on your brush. Staying power is equally good and they only give off a reasonable amount of shimmer so it can be used for everyday look. The lighter colors can be used for highlighting as well.

BLUSH: SMASHBOX O-Glow
(Beauty Bar)

          I love powder blushes like my Physicians Formula happy booster in blush and L'oreal true match super-blendable blush in neutral but recently I've been reaching for my Smashbox O-glow cheek stain. It looks like a translucent paste but can be easily applied on the cheeks giving them just a hint of blush that looks natural, dewy and fresh.

LIP BALM: MAYBELLINE Baby lips, Anti-oxidant Berry
(Rustan's)

Maybelline Babylips lip balm I was so impressed by the formulation that I use it everyday. It feels light on your lips and keep them moisturized without the sticky feeling. It's best used to prime your lips before application of any lipstick.

TINTED LIP BALM: REVLON Lip Butters, Cherry Tart
(SM North)

          These are the best tinted lip balms I've ever tried. They glide smoothly on nude unconditioned lips and give you just the right amount of color that's more sheer than a lipstick and less sticky than a lip balm. They come in a wide variety of shades that will truly match your every mood. I love this product so much that I wrote a separate blog about this just recently.

LIPSTICK: MAC Amplified Lipstick in Double Shot

(Duty Free)

          I was never a fan of lipsticks simply because I feel like my lips weren't cut out for it. I have creased lips (I swear I've never seen on anyone else) that any lipstick would look awful on them especially the creamy ones. It was only after I realized I can use them over lip gloss or lip balm that lipsticks became an essential to my everyday look. I love MAC Amplified lipstick in double shot. It has a rich creamy finish that glides on smoothly. I can't really describe the shade but it looks like a lighter shade of brown, almost like a neutral shade but less sheer.

FACE POWDER: CLINIQUE Derma White Brightening Loose Powder

(Trinoma)

          This product has won me over since the first time I saw and bought it at a Clinique booth in Trinoma. I remember having second thoughts about getting it beacuse I was quite overwhelmed by the price but after trying it on my face I knew why they had to charge quite an amount for just a face powder. The quality of this product is something I have never seen before in other brands. It feels light and soft on your face. It has a sheer and translucent coverage and it immediately brightens your complexion with just the right amount of shimmer. What's really unique and amazing about this is that the powders are water-encapsulated and release a cool, soothing sensation on application. The technology behind Clinique derma white loose powder plus the quality and quantity (20 grams) make this product stand out from the rest. I really do need to mention that I have been using this everyday since I purchased it in 2011 and I haven't even consumed much, probably just 1/4 of the container since a little goes a long way.

          Well, that concludes my "Current Favorites" which is basically the products that I use everyday and are at the top of my list. I was tempted to include runners up but that would only make this entry longer. You may have noticed I didn't include foundation to my list. This is because I don't use any for my everyday look. I only get to wear foundation during special occasions done by make up artists. I have yet to master the art of blending foundation with my skin in the future.